How to get rid of mildew odor from towels: a life-saving method

The main cause of mold is excessive moisture, so it is important to dry clothes and towels properly after washing. Mold grows on a variety of surfaces and materials, including cotton, so towels can become a real breeding ground for fungal spores.

It's not hard to freshen up towels that have been spoiled by mold. Apartment Therapy explains how to eliminate the unpleasant odor and, more importantly, how to prevent it from reoccurring.

Why does mold appear on towels?

Fungal spores grow in damp, dark places, such as in the drum of a washing machine or an overflowing laundry basket. Mold can damage and discolor fabrics and cause a musty, unpleasant odor. Experts warn that it can take 24 to 48 hours for fungal spores to grow. Mold is very dangerous for health and can cause allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory diseases.

How to remove mold odor from towels

If your towels have a musty smell, you don't have to get rid of them and buy new ones, but you need to act quickly. Maria Mooney, a cleaning expert at Truly Free, shared an effective life hack.

Step 1. Fill a container with warm water and add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Soak the towels for 30 minutes. The vinegar will help eliminate bacteria that cause odor.

Step 2. Remove the towels from the pre-soak container and put them in the washing machine. Set the maximum temperature recommended for towels. You can use laundry detergent, but it is better to add 1/2 cup of baking soda for additional disinfection.

Step 3. Do not leave the towels in the washing machine after the cycle is complete. Hang them out to dry immediately.

How to avoid mold growth

While it's easy enough to remove the odor of mold from your towels, the real trick is to get rid of the mold for good. To avoid mold in the future, you should follow a few tips.

1. Hang towels properly after use. Do not leave them in damp places and hang each towel separately.
2. Open a window or turn on an exhaust fan after a shower or bath to remove excess moisture. This is especially important if you hang wet towels in the bathroom.
3. Wash towels regularly, ideally 2 times a week. Moisture in the air only contributes to the development of mold on towels.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you what folk methods will help get rid of mold on the walls.

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